UFM Community Learning Center is a creative educational program serving Kansas State University, Manhattan, and communities across Kansas. UFM offers a variety of community enrichment classes and activities for all ages and interests.

Based on the philosophy that everyone can learn and everyone can teach, UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development. Instructors represent all areas of the campus and community and have ranged in age from 6, sharing knowledge about rabbit care, to 98, teaching a class on healthy living. Topics include Communication & Expressive Arts; Leadership & Personal Development; Engineering & Technology; Family & Consumer Sciences; Plant Sciences; Natural Resources; Animal Science; Lifetime Learning; Military & Veteran Opportunities; Recreation; Sports & Fitness; Cultural Studies; Professional Development; Youth Development Opportunities; and Special Education Opportunities. Over 10,000 people participate in UFM programs and activities each year.

UFM serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and as a catalyst for new programs and services that enhance the quality of life for all. In addition to community enrichment classes and activities, UFM coordinates several other programs and services: Veteran Wellness, Project EXCELL, Teen Mentoring, Manhattan Community Gardens, Lou Douglas Lectures, Lifetime Learning, and Manhattan Area Risk Prevention Coalition (MARPC).

UFM Community Learning Center Annual Report – FY25

Office Hours

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Closed 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. for lunch)

  • Tuesday & Thursday: Closed 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., available by appointment; open 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Donate to UFM

UFM accepts donations to assist with program needs and for special projects. To make a donation today, please click the link below. Thank you!

FAQs

UFM courses held at Kansas State University follow university policies. Classes will be held unless all university classes are cancelled. Weather sensitive classes will use the scheduled rain date. If a rain date is not scheduled, the instructor will be responsible for rescheduling. UFM classes held off campus may be canceled based on facility and instructor availability. During major weather events, listen to KMAN radio (AM 1350) for UFM cancellations, or call 539-8763 to see if an announcement has been left on the answering machine.

We will also post weather closings on our Facebook page.

K-State’s website will also carry news of closings at www.k-state.edu. In the event of lightning in the area, all swimmers will be evacuated from the pools until the lightning has passed the area.

We will provide a full refund if a class is canceled by UFM. If a student withdraws from a class 48 hours or more before the class begins, a full refund may be given, except for any published non-refundable fees. No refunds will be given once a class has started.
Yes. All participants must register and pay the registration fees before attending a UFM class. This allows for adequate handouts and materials. A class may be canceled due to insufficient registrations.
UFM is a community learning program that contracts with nonprofessional community instructors. Consequently, we cannot guarantee that the courses are absolutely accurate or complete in content and quality of instruction. We rely on the credentials provided by instructors, class observation and participant feedback as tools for evaluating a class and an instructor’s ability.
UFM classes are not a forum for selling a product or service from which the instructor may benefit. Materials specifically oriented to an instructor’s financial interests may not be distributed in class. Participants who wish to pursue a relationship with an instructor outside class time may do so on their own responsibility. Please share any concerns with UFM by emailing info@tryufm.org or calling 785.539.8763.
Scholarships are available for UFM and other select community activities.

Download scholarship application and guidelines.

Please visit our Scholarships page for more information.

UFM accepts donations to assist with program needs and for special projects. Send your contribution to UFM Community Learning Center, 1221 Thurston St, Manhattan, KS 66502. Your donation is tax deductible.

For more information about donations, please visit our Donate page.

Everyone can teach, everyone can learn!

This idea is the central theme at UFM. We are always looking for new class ideas and new instructors. Instructors have ranged in age from 6 to 98 years old. If you think you would like to share something you know with the community, call us at (785) 539-8763, or e-mail info@tryufm.org. You may also submit your class idea from the Teach A Class page. If the class you want to teach is already being offered and/or we have a regular teacher for that topic, our Education Coordinator will speak to you about a way you might be able to modify your idea so you can still teach without duplicating offerings.

Got an idea for a UFM class? UFM is always looking for new class ideas and new projects. Let us hear from you! Call (785) 539.8763 or email info@tryufm.org to share your ideas!